Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd looking to land massive Benfica midfielder coup before rivals strike; Everton ‘knocking on door’ to sign Bundesliga star

Manchester United are looking to steal a march on top European rivals by snapping up a highly-rated midfielder who is causing a stir at Benfica, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk claims that Everton are facing a tough battle in their chase for an RB Leipzig star.

BENFICA STARLET EMERGES ON TEN HAG RADAR

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Benfica midfielder Joao Neves before a potential summer bidding war begins.

The talented 18-year-old has become the latest player to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils still looking to make their first addition of the summer window.

And Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that there is concrete interest from Erik ten Hag in the youngster.

The midfielder rose through the ranks at Benfica before making his senior debut in their 3-0 loss against SC Braga in the Primeira Liga last December.

He has since gone on to make 20 appearances, including six starts, across all competitions for the Portuguese giants as they won the league last term.

Neves has also started all three of Portugal’s games at the European Under-21 Championship and looks set to face England in the quarter-finals of the tournament on Sunday.

It’s claimed, however, that United will have to make a significant offer to tempt Benfica into a sale as the player is under contract until 2028 and they are also under no pressure to sell.

Their interest has been sparked by rumours of other big clubs also circling, prompting the Red Devils to try and act quickly before it becomes a potential bidding war.

Neves viewed as long-term United midfield option

Neves is viewed by Ten Hag as a long-term project for a United midfield that needs an injection of youth, given that Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are both the wrong side of 30.

Rumours also continue that Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek could all be offloaded this summer.

Neves is primarily classed as a defensive-minded midfielder who can also operate more as a No.8 in the traditional sense.

If he does sign, he is expected to learn the ropes of Casemiro before eventually replacing the Brazilian in United’s engine room.

EVERTON CHASING LEIPZIG ACE

Everton ‘knocked on the door’ for RB Leipzig midfielder Tom Krauss this summer but he has so far turned down a move to the Premier League. (Sky SPorts Germany)

Inter Milan are in talks with Chelsea over another loan deal for Romelu Lukaku which will include an obligation for the Italian club to sign the striker. (Sky Italia)

Bayern Munich are closing in on the signing of Manchester United and Newcastle target Kim Min-Jae from Napoli. (Il Mattino)

Real Madrid are considering Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic if they fail to land either Victor Osimhen or Harry Kane. (Cadena SER)

Barcelona are not expected to make an offer for Inter midfielder, and Liverpool target, Marcelo Brozovic this summer. (Sport)

Sergio Ramos could move back to Spain after his PSG contract expires at the end of this month and join his former club Sevilla. (Cadena SER)

JUVE TO MOVE ON FROM POGBA

Juventus are already willing to move on midfielder Paul Pogba this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Juventus are interested in bringing back Tottenham defender Cristian Romero after his struggles in the second half of last season. (Gaston Edul)

Chelsea are asking for ‘over €20m’ to allow Christian Pulisic to leave this summer, although the USA star’s boot sponsor could help seal an exit. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Angel Di Maria is in advanced talks to rejoin Benfica this summer, but Argentine club Rosario Central dream of him returning home. (ESPN)

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are keen on signing Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie. (Relevo)

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy rejected an offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al Khaleej FC. (Various)

MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Inter Milan are keen on Valencia and United States midfielder Yunus Musah. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Valencia are closing in on a deal for Brentford’s Sergi Canos, who should leave the Bees for a low fee or even on a free transfer. (Deporte Valenciano)

Villarreal midfielder Dani Parejo is being considered as a potential reinforcement by Barcelona. (Sport)

Talks are continuing between Bayern Munich and PSG for defender Lucas Hernandez. (Sky Sports Deutschland)

RB Lens have now offered new long-term deal to Kevin Danso after his excellent season. Negotiations are currently ongoing. (Seb Nonda)

Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr are interested in signing Botafogo coach Luis Castro. (Globo)